Two men charged with IRA membership

Two Sligo men have appeared at an out-of-term sitting of the Special Criminal Court charged with membership of the IRA.

Damhan McFadden (27) of Kilmacowen, Ballysadare and Julian Flohr (35) of Rusheen Ard, Caltra, both in County Sligo, were charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on August 14th.

When the garda cautioned Mr Flohr, the accused man made no reply, the court heard.

Gda McDonnell said that he then informed Mr Flohr that he was to be brought before the Special Criminal Court to be charged with the offence for which he was arrested.

Later, at the court, the garda showed Mr Flohr the charge sheet and explained it in ordinary language, the court heard.

Again, Mr McFadden made no reply, Gda McDonnell said.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge William Hamill, remanded both men in custody until Friday, August 19th, when their case is listed for mention and they are to appear via videolink.